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"This Bible comes from an extraordinary moment in the history of the Commonwealth, the nation and the world," said Beverly Morgan-Welch, co-chair of the Inaugural Committee. "The Amistad case was a giant step forward for the abolitionist movement and recognized the basic humanity of enslaved people in America. It is now fitting and proper that we honor it now as part of this historic inaugural."

The Amistad case dates to 1839, when a group of Africans from Mendeland near modern day Sierra Leone were kidnapped and sold illegally into the Spanish slave trade. Led by Cinque, they broke their bonds and overtook the crew of the Amistad off Cuba. Ordered to sail to Africa, captured crew members steered toward Africa during the day and turned back toward the Americas at night, eventually landing off the coast of New York.

Thus began a protracted legal battle accompanied by national media coverage and international intrigue. Spain pressured then-President Martin Van Buren to send the human cargo back to Cuba without a trial and Van Buren so feared the reactions of the pro-slavery South that he had the case appealed to the Supreme Court when a lower court ordered the 35 men and women freed.

Enter John Quincy Adams, the former president and congressman whose own father had helped found the United States on the principles of freedom. He was 73 when he took up the Africans' case and argued passionately before the court in winning their freedom. In gratitude, the freed Africans presented Adams with the Bible inscribed with a letter from Cinque and his colleagues.

Thursday's swearing in of the new governor will mark the first time the historic Mendi Bible has ever been used in an official ceremony in Massachusetts.

"One hundred sixty-six years after John Quincy Adams defended the Mendi People, T he Amistad story continues to engage generations, and compels us to look to the past as we engage in the present and formulate our vision for the future. The Amistad story is our reminder of the impact one individual can have on society and the importance of 'civic engagement.' These ideals of active citizenship, patriotism and the lifelong commitment of service to country, as celebrated at the Inauguration of Deval Patrick as Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are as relevant in 2007 as they were in l84l, and an important piece of our state's rich heritage," said Marianne Peak, Superintendent of the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy.

"The Mendi Bible is one of the most significant and moving pieces of history in the Adams family. It reflects the great determination and courage of a people who, after long suffering, were fortunate to find themselves befriended by an old man, a former President with a passionate belief in justice. We are tremendously pleased that the Mendi Bible continues to serve as a symbol of our nation's most precious and fundamental beliefs," said Benjamin Adams, president of the Adams Memorial Society and a descendant of John Quincy Adams.

The Mendi Bible is on exhibit at the Adams National Historical Park from April l9 to November 10.